Crisis and Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness

The Vashon Island School District works in partnership with local law enforcement, public safety and county emergency management to prepare for emergency conditions in our schools. Each school has developed and implemented a comprehensive plan for responding to a variety of natural disasters and hazardous situations including earthquake, fire, bomb threat, human trespass, and hazardous materials incidents. Each month, staff and students practice appropriate responses including evacuation and shelter-in-place.

Our system for managing school emergency situations provides students, staff and parents with a plan and a sense of security. Student safety is our focus and guides our decisions. Staff members have been assigned specific tasks they are responsible for during an emergency situation. Our facilities are equipped with emergency supplies, radios and equipment that may be necessary to shelter students for at least 24 hours.

Communications Tips in an Emergency

Please do not come to the school; it impedes first responders access to the emergency

Be patient: your child’s safety is our first priority

How Families Can Help during an Emergency

If an emergency occurs during school hours please do not come to the school in order to enable first responders have free and clear access to the campus. In rushing to the school, you may put yourself in danger and become a part of the problem. Instead, we ask you to be patient and follow updates that will be posted on the district website, emailed to our contact list and through text alerts.

Emergency Operations Center

In the event of a school emergency, first responders will designate an Emergency Operations Center to provide support for students and staff at each school. Local law enforcement and emergency management officials will communicate directly with the district to coordinate response plans and maximize resources, ensuring that assistance is available where it is most needed. District communications and release of information to the media will also be directed from the Operations Center.

Emergency Messages

Emergency messages will be posted on the district website, sent out via email and sent as text alerts.

Inclement Weather Procedures

Voice of Vashon and local radio and Television stations will have updated information. If information regarding VISD schools is not mentioned, school will be held as usual and transportation will not be changed.

Keep School Safe

Anonymous Alert is our district's tip reporting service. If you have information about a threat to our safety, do your part and report it! And remember, you can remain anonymous. There is a link to the Anonymous Alert page on the home page of the district website.

School Closures

Unscheduled school closures due to inclement weather, natural disaster, or school emergencies may occasionally occur. Updated information regarding school status, student evacuation and parent pickup points will be posted on the district website, sent out in emails and sent as text messages. Read the FAQ about Emergency Preparedness

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The Vashon Island School District does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin (including language), sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in any district programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Vashon Island School District is an equal opportunity employer. Vashon Island School District is tobacco-free, drug-free and weapons-free. Appropriate fingerprint screening results are required for employment. For specific information, contact: VISD Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator, Kathryn Coleman, P.O. Box 547, Vashon, Washington 98070, (206) 463-8532, kcoleman@vashonsd.org. VISD Compliance Coordinator for 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW, Amy Sassara, Human Resource Director, P.O. Box 547, Vashon, WA 98070, (206) 463-8529, asassara@vashonsd.org.